Three Budget Rifles Put to the Test: CVA Scout, Glenfield Model A, and Savage Access Gen 2

Introduction

Budget rifles often get a bad reputation, but they remain a practical entry point for new hunters and shooters who want to get into the field without spending a fortune. We gathered three of the least expensive rifles currently available: the CVA Scout, the Glenfield Model A, and the Savage Access Gen 2. Each was fitted with a consistent scope to keep the comparison fair, and we put them through three challenges: initial impressions, 100-yard grouping, and a hunting-style scenario at distance.

The Contenders

The CVA Scout is a single-shot rifle with a synthetic stock, a 20-inch barrel, and a threaded muzzle that accepts a suppressor. It comes with a picatinny rail already mounted on top, and the hammer spur makes it easy to cock even with a scope in place. The recoil pad is thick and does a good job of taming felt recoil.

The Glenfield Model A is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 308 Winchester. It features a 22-inch threaded barrel, a detachable magazine, and a trigger that breaks clean at around 3.5 pounds. The stock is a basic birch design, and the recoil pad is noticeably harder than what you find on many modern rifles.

The Savage Access Gen 2 is also a bolt-action rifle with a 22-inch barrel. It uses the familiar Savage AccuTrigger, which breaks at about 3.25 pounds. The polymer stock is designed with palm swells on both sides, making it equally comfortable for right-handed and left-handed shooters. The magazine release has been redesigned as a plunger-style mechanism that feels more robust than previous versions.

CVA Scout

The CVA Scout is the most straightforward of the three. As a single-shot, it keeps things simple: load one round, close the action, and fire. The synthetic stock is stiff and features a textured grip that feels secure in the hand. The comb riser has screws on top, suggesting that taller risers could be installed if needed.

Our first attempt to fire the Scout revealed a significant problem: the rifle arrived without a firing pin. A quick inspection showed a hole in the bolt face where the firing pin should be. The rifle had also been poorly packed, with the muzzle poking through the cardboard in the shipping box. It turned out the rifle had been displayed at a show with the firing pin removed, and it was shipped out in that condition by mistake. A replacement firing pin was on the way, so a full accuracy test will have to wait.

Glenfield Model A

The Glenfield Model A is essentially a rebadged version of the original Ruger American rifle. The design proved so popular that it was brought back under the Glenfield name after Ruger moved on to the second generation. It is a standard bolt-action with a 22-inch barrel, a threaded muzzle, and a detachable magazine.

Initial impressions were positive. The rifle shot smoothly, the trigger broke cleanly, and the action cycled without issue. The recoil pad is hard, which makes itself known with heavier loads, but the 308 Winchester round is manageable even without a soft pad. The stock feels a little flimsy, though the barrel appears to be free-floated along its full length.

At 100 yards, the Glenfield produced groups around 1.75 inches with match-grade ammunition. After a thorough barrel cleaning, groups tightened to about 1.25 inches, showing real potential. With the right ammunition, this rifle could approach minute of angle. It is a solid choice for whitetail hunting inside 250 yards, especially for a beginner.

Savage Access Gen 2

The Savage Access Gen 2 is the most modern of the three, with a redesigned stock that includes palm swells on both sides. This makes it genuinely ambidextrous, which is a rare feature at this price point. The grip is noticeably slimmer than what many shooters are used to, which takes some getting used to.

The AccuTrigger is a highlight, breaking cleanly at about 3.25 pounds. The magazine release is a plunger design that feels more durable than the older tab-style release. The bolt handle has an unusual shape that some will find stylish and others will find odd, but it functions fine.

Initial accuracy was disappointing, with groups opening up to five or six inches. A bore scope revealed a barrel with chatter marks that looked like the side of a file. Despite the rough internal finish, the rifle still managed to put rounds close together once the shooter settled in. With a different ammunition choice, groups tightened to about 1.25 inches, showing that ammunition selection matters as much as the rifle itself.

Range Results and Accuracy

None of these rifles are going to win accuracy competitions, but that is not really the point. The honest takeaway is that budget rifles can shoot well enough for hunting, provided you put in the work to find the right ammunition and keep the barrel clean.

The Glenfield Model A produced the most consistent groups, hovering around 1.75 inches with match ammo and improving to 1.25 inches after cleaning. The Savage Access Gen 2 showed similar potential once we switched to a more common hunting load, grouping around 1.25 inches. The CVA Scout could not be tested due to the missing firing pin, but single-shot rifles often have an accuracy advantage thanks to their rigid action design.

At 300 yards, both bolt-action rifles struggled to hold a consistent point of impact. The practical effective range for these rifles, with the loads tested, is around 250 yards. Inside that distance, they are perfectly capable of taking deer.

Buying Advice

If you are on a tight budget, any of these rifles can serve you well for hunting at typical distances. The Glenfield Model A is the most conventional choice, with a proven design and a track record of reliability. The Savage Access Gen 2 offers the best ergonomics for left-handed shooters and a genuinely good trigger. The CVA Scout is the simplest option, and its single-shot design encourages careful shot placement.

Rather than spending more on a rifle, consider putting the savings into ammunition. Finding the load your rifle likes can make a bigger difference than spending an extra thousand dollars on a higher-end model. A good budget scope, like the entry-level offerings from Maven, can also help you get the most out of these rifles without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Budget rifles have come a long way. These three models all function reliably, shoot well enough for hunting, and represent excellent value for money. The Glenfield Model A and Savage Access Gen 2 both proved capable of producing hunting-accurate groups once we found the right ammunition. The CVA Scout remains a promising option pending its firing pin replacement.

The key takeaway is simple: do not be afraid of inexpensive rifles. With a little time spent on ammunition selection and barrel maintenance, they can handle the vast majority of hunting situations. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced shooter looking for a beater rifle, these budget options are worth a serious look.